AGP Executive Report

Tobago Budget Date: The Tobago House of Assembly will present its annual budget on Monday, June 22, with debate set for Thursday, June 25, as Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts said it will be guided by the “Pathway for Prosperity: Blueprint for Tobago 2026 to 2030.” Local Arts & Culture: Guitarist Stefan Roach talks humility and musical growth ahead of “The Art of Guitar: Sounds of the World I” on June 14 at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s. Community Art for a Cause: “Sixty Surprises” at Horizons Framing & Decor raised funds for animal rescue through a one-day mystery exhibition featuring 60 artists and identical $600 pieces. Photo Exhibition: NA PA hosted “This Is Us Through the Eyes of Richard Ramirez,” a glass-printed photo showcase aimed at helping people “recognise” T&T heritage. Sports Spotlight: Boxer Shantel Adams scored a first-round knockout in Venezuela; swimmer Anpherne “AJ” Bernard committed to Howard University after Carifta success; and cyclist Makaira “Maki” Wallace won women’s keirin in Pennsylvania. Youth & Sports: Secondary schools tennis crowned standout Harragin and Ramcharan as championships wrapped at the National Racquet Centre.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago clinched a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2027–2028 with 181 votes, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s campaign focused on small-arms curbs, women/children/peace, and AI in global security—while former PM Keith Rowley welcomed the win but warned the government’s international conduct will be scrutinised. Soca & Music Fundraisers: St Xavier’s Private School gears up for “Jazz & Soca in The Vineyard” on June 6, with Team A+ support and a full food-inclusive evening to raise funds. Local Radio Culture: Boom 94.1FM host Kwe­si “Supahype” Lee says radio isn’t dead—people just need more creative hunger, spotlighting the station’s heated “Morning Jam” vibe. Faith & New Music: Alyssa Joseph, 19, releases “Favor,” a gospel message about divine reversal and being counted out—now positioned for wider distribution. Sports Spotlight: BYD is named Official Car Partner of CPL 2026 across eight countries, with a “Wrap the Future” design challenge inviting Caribbean creatives. World Cup Buzz: Davido makes history by contributing to FIFA World Cup soundtrack projects in two straight tournaments, while Son Heung-min tops a British list of wealthiest 2026 World Cup players.

UN Security Council win: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected a non-permanent member for 2027–2028, winning 181 votes and getting backing from all five permanent UNSC members, with Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers calling it a boost for Caricom ties. World Cup build-up: Rush Sports says it’s gearing up a big regional viewing push for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across 13 Caribbean markets, while South Africa’s Emile Heskey says Bafana Bafana’s return gives hope for more Caribbean nations—like T&T—to reach football’s biggest stage. Local sports spotlight: T&T’s darts duo James Walklin and Joshua Balfour start their World Cup of Darts campaign June 11 in Frankfurt after a favourable draw, and the UWI Games wrapped with Mona defending the title. Tobago transparency: A High Court judge rejected E-IDCOT’s bid to be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, ordering it to reconsider disclosure requests tied to the Manta Lodge franchise agreement. Arts & culture: Steel band music featuring Trinidad styles is set for “Music at Noon” in Charleston, and Curacao fans are already bringing “Blue Wave” party energy to World Cup 2026.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has been elected to a non-permanent seat for the 2027–2028 term, securing support from 181 countries; the seat is part of the UN’s regional rotation system and T&T ran unopposed for the GRULAC slot. State of Emergency Update: The government says the state of emergency remains in force until June 17, pushing back social media claims it would end sooner. Local Crime: Police are investigating the death of 23-year-old Venezuelan national Alexis Enrique Pineda, found in Morvant with investigators believing he may have been killed elsewhere before being dumped. Health & Wellness (Tobago): DHW Tobago House of Assembly delegates attended a Personalized Health Conference in Switzerland, focusing on AI, digital health, and building a Tobago Public Health Observatory. Sports (T&T in focus): West Indies cricket’s “WI Outside!” home series continues with free entry for kids 16 and under, including matches in Trinidad and Tobago. Boxing: Shantel Adams fights Venezuelan Heidi Guariguan in Venezuela as she eyes a bigger bout with Tiana Guy later this year. Community & Culture: Oakland Carnival returns Saturday, June 6, at Mosswood Park, celebrating Pan-African culture through costumes, food, music and dance.

UN Security Council Win: Trinidad and Tobago has secured a non-permanent seat for the 2027–2028 term, winning 181 of 191 votes in the General Assembly election, with questions lingering about Caricom support and nine abstentions. Diplomatic Reactions: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated the newly elected UNSC members—Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, T&T and Zimbabwe—while Professor Hamid Ghany called the result a vindication for the government’s earlier positions. Cricket Youth Push: Cricket West Indies launched free entry for children 16 and under to matches of the “WI Outside!” home series, starting with ISSA Day at Sabina Park. Tobago Tragedy: A father in Tobago says he’s still awaiting justice after a jet ski accident killed his daughter, with the matter under active investigation. Protest Rules: Trade unions and opposition figures are pushing back hard against State of Emergency protest restrictions, calling them a threat to democratic freedoms. Local Weekend Fun: Saturday, June 6 brings a community yard sale plus the Second Hand Spree “From Me to Thee” and Dessert Café at Town Hall.

UN Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago has won a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, securing overwhelming support with 181 votes, after a campaign built around small-arms trafficking, women and children in peace and security, and AI’s role in global security. State of Emergency & Public Order: The TTPS says no authorisation was granted for a proposed “Walk for Peace” in Port of Spain, warning that unauthorised marches and gatherings during the State of Emergency could breach the law—though organisers say the walk will go ahead under regulations. Cricket & Local Sport: Cricket West Indies released its 2026 men’s home schedule (“WI OUTSIDE!”) running June 3 to August 6, featuring ODIs, T20Is and Tests versus Sri Lanka, plus ODIs and Tests against New Zealand and Pakistan, with some matches co-hosted by Barbados. T&T in World Football: South Korea’s World Cup warm-up friendly against Trinidad and Tobago ended 5-0, as the team fine-tunes ahead of the tournament. Road Safety: A Venezuelan woman died days after an electric scooter crash in Cunupia; police say the driver was over the legal alcohol limit and the scooter was unlicensed. Culture & Arts: SANFEST marks 56 years of nurturing local talent, with 2026 Young Star winners Mathias “Afro King” Lyons-Fortune and Kylie Williams featured.

World Cup Buzz: FIFA has locked in final rosters for the expanded 2026 World Cup—1,248 players from 48 nations—while South Korea’s full 26-man squad trained together in Utah ahead of the tournament. Local Sports & Pride: West Indies cricket has unveiled its 2026 home schedule, with T&T set to host a Pakistan Test series in late July/early August, marking the Brian Lara Cricket Academy’s first-ever international Test. Korea vs T&T Fallout: South Korea defender Cho Yu-min left the national camp in tears after a foot injury sustained during the T&T friendly, ending his World Cup hopes. Maxi Taxi Reality Check: Ride-share demand jumped during the maxi taxi strike as operators cut commissions and offered discounted fares, while the Government defended no-protest zones and unions threatened legal action over protest restrictions. Arts & Community: The Trinidad Civic Club’s Secondhand Spree and Dessert Café returns June 6, and UTT honoured scholar Selwyn Cudjoe with a dedicated Library Corner/Display. Culture Abroad: Maverick Restaurant is being celebrated as the first Trini spot in China, bringing doubles, soca and calypso to Xiamen.

Local Crime: TTPS recovered a firearm believed stolen from the San Fernando Municipal Police Station during an anti-crime exercise in St James, detaining three men. World Cup Watch: Group A analysis says Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa could be decided by fine margins, with Korea boosted after a 5-0 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago. Water & Infrastructure: WASA repaired 30,709 pipeline leaks across Trinidad and Tobago between April 2025 and April 2026, with Tobago crews fixing 3,624. Protest & Rights: Trade unions threaten legal action over SOE protest restrictions that limit demonstrations to 15 designated locations. Sports Development: Cricket West Indies unveiled its 2026 Men’s International Home Series schedule and launched a High-Performance Fast Bowling Assessment Camp in Antigua for 12 talents. Culture & Fashion: Hindi Foundation of T&T gears up for its 38th Annual Dinner and Fashion Show, “Rang Ka Utsav.” Tourism & Community: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings tourism leaders together, while Tobago Carnival 2026 launches at Pigeon Point.

Maxi Taxi Strike Fallout: Up to 20% of commuters heading into Port-of-Spain were late during Monday’s nationwide “rest and reflection” action, with delays reported from 30 minutes to an hour as operators continued a three-day shutdown. Police Help on the Ground: TTPS Commissioner Allister Guevarro ordered police buses to shuttle stranded commuters from City Gate, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised the service for “outstanding leadership” and compassion. Tobago Joins In: Tobago maxi drivers say they back the Trinidad action, citing their own long-running payment and hub problems. ASJA Girls’ College Concern: Parents are worried after a fight between Form One and Form Two students at Charlieville’s ASJA Girls’ College, with claims of hair pulling and teachers being struck. Soca Spotlight Abroad: KestheBand made history by selling out Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom, a major international win for Trinidad and Tobago soca. World Cup Football Note: South Korea’s Lee Kang-in joined the national squad in Utah after Champions League glory, while Son Heung-min scored twice in a 5-0 warm-up win over Trinidad and Tobago. Local Arts: “Worlds Collide” brought Caribbean creativity to Trinidad at the Elevated Creative Hub in Maraval. Steelpan Loss: Grenada’s steelband community mourned Trinidad and Tobago steelpan adjudicator Joanna Ragbir-Leslie.

Soca on the world stage: KestheBand made history by selling out Vancouver’s iconic Commodore Ballroom, a major international win for Trinidad and Tobago’s music. Tobago governance & transparency: The High Court ruled E-IDCOT isn’t exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, ordering it to reconsider disclosure requests tied to Manta Lodge’s operations. Arts across the region: “Worlds Collide” brought Caribbean creativity to Trinidad at the Elevated Creative Hub in Maraval, mixing local and regional artists with music and dance. Local culture events: Tobago Carnival 2026 was launched at Pigeon Point Heritage Park under the theme “Mud, Mas and Music.” Food & talent spotlight: Five female chefs wowed diners at Hodges Bay Resort during Antigua’s Culinary Month, with Caribbean flavours and rum pairings. Public health concern: Caribbean coverage highlights a youth vaping surge and warns that “nicotine-free” vapes can still normalise vaping. Safety & community news: A drive-by shooting at Sea Lots left one man dead and a woman injured, with shell casings recovered as investigations continue. Transport disruption: Maxi taxi operators begin a three-day “rest and reflection” shutdown, expected to affect students and commuters nationwide.

Police Probe: TTPS is investigating a viral video where a man claims he’s a police officer and says death threats were made to force him to drop a court matter, including a warning tied to his family. Maxi Taxi Disruption: A planned three-day maxi taxi strike begins today, with 5,000+ operators protesting unresolved grievances—commuters and businesses brace for major transport fallout. Youth Vaping Warning: World No Tobacco Day coverage spotlights how vapes are marketed to teens with “harmless” flavours, while nicotine-free products can still normalise vaping; youth advocates say Caribbean policy is moving too slowly. Fashion & Heritage: Shoma the Label launches “A Thread Across The Water,” a fashion collection honouring Indo-Trinidadian heritage and the journey of indentured ancestors. Cultural Recognition: The Aagman Indian Food Festival at Hilton Trinidad honoured cultural stalwarts and supported Rapid Fire Kidz Foundation through ticket proceeds. Sports Spotlight: Keshorn Walcott opens his season with Diamond League bronze in Rabat, while South Korea’s Son Heung-min hits a brace in a 5-0 friendly win over T&T ahead of the World Cup.

India-Trinidad Business Boost: Indian Arrival Day leaders pushed new India–T&T opportunities, including an MOU on pharmaceuticals and digital payments, while noting hurdles around Overseas Citizenship of India cards. T&T Football Spotlight: South Korea thrashed T&T 5-0 in a World Cup warm-up in Provo, with Son Heung-min scoring twice as T&T’s under-strength side struggled to create chances. Sports + Education: Priyanka Khellawan shares how she balances studies and table tennis while advocating for gender equality in sport ahead of a global women-and-sport summit. Caribbean Youth Health: World No Tobacco Day messaging highlights how vaping is spreading faster than policy, warning that nicotine and “nicotine-free” products can still harm young people. Media + Fair Trial: MATT backed the DPP’s call for restraint over Samaroo-Sealy case coverage, stressing the need to protect fair trial rights. Tobago Carnival Build-Up: Tobago gears up for its fifth annual Carnival celebration with a big launch at Pigeon Point Heritage Park. Arts & Culture: Rang Ka Utsav: A Celebration of Colours returns June 6 with fashion, music, dance and heritage at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya.

World Cup Warm-Up: South Korea thrashed Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in a friendly in Utah, with Son Heung-min scoring twice and Cho Gue-sung adding two more, while fans questioned whether the match was a meaningful tune-up. Sports Officiating: Trinidad and Tobago’s Candace La Borde earned a spot on the all-female panel for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, joining Jamaica’s Jacqueline Williams. UWI Student Numbers: UWI is facing competition for students, with concerns raised about falling enrolment and the impact of poverty. Business & Trade: Tobago business leader Diane Hadad says the Government’s export growth and diversification plans sound promising but still need more detail. Regional Business Ties: ANSA McAL reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Guyana through its “Growing with Guyana” showcase. Media & Justice: MATT backed the DPP’s warning against publishing material that could prejudice the Samaroo-Sealy criminal case, as attorneys echoed calls for restraint. Protests & Policing: Police say they had to act after protesters didn’t follow the law during the Kaia Sealy-Joshua Samaroo demonstrations. Tobago Carnival: Tobago launched its fifth annual Carnival celebration at Pigeon Point with the theme “Mud, Mas and Music.” Fashion & Culture: The Hindi Foundation’s “Rang Ka Utsav” dinner and fashion show returns June 6, featuring performances and a large designer showcase. Community Arts: Bocas’ Children’s Storytelling Caravan Book 10 is out now, spotlighting young writers and illustrators. Public Utilities: T&TEC is asking for help after vandalism at the Beetham substation caused damage and an explosion. Green Fund Woes: NGOs say they’re struggling to access Green Fund money, with less than 1% disbursed over a decade.

Indian Arrival Day & Culture: President Christine Carla Kangaloo urged Trinidad and Tobago to draw strength from the courage of Indian ancestors, highlighting unity, respect and national service as the country marks 181 years since the arrival of indentured immigrants. Arts & Community: The NCIC Nagar in Chaguanas hosts “The Indo-Trinbagonian Experience,” an Indo-Trinidadian art exhibition running May 23 to June 6, with 29 local visual artists exploring identity, memory and belonging. Fashion Spotlight: Rapidfire Kidz Foundation’s “Fashionista” fundraiser at Achievers Banquet Hall showcased collections by local designers and featured several public figures on the runway. Sports (Soca Warriors): Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men open a World Cup prep series against South Korea tonight in Utah, with Derek King pointing to defensive shape and composure despite absences. Local News: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake was felt across North and Northwest Trinidad and as far as Grenada, with no reported damage. Public Order: Police restrictions around the Kaia Sealy/Joshua Samaroo protests continue, with the DPP calling for restraint in media commentary.

T&T Sports Spotlight: The Soca Warriors face South Korea tonight at BYU South Field (9 p.m. TT), with the match live on BYUtv/ BYUtv.org, as coach Derek King works around absences ahead of the Concacaf Nations League. Tobago & Sports: Tobago hosts the WAKO Pan American Kickboxing Competition at Shaw Park Complex through May 31. Fashion & Culture: Rapidfire Kidz Foundation’s “Fashionista” fundraiser turned Achievers Banquet Hall into a runway showcase featuring local designers and T&T personalities. Art & Heritage: NCIC’s Indian Arrival Day celebrations include “The Indo-Trinbagionian Experience” at the National Council of Indian Culture Nagar, running to June 6. Community & Public Life: Police and protest restrictions stay in focus after “no-protest zones” sparked union backlash, while the Kaia Sealy/Samaroo case continues to draw DPP calls for responsible reporting. Quick Hits: A 5.0 earthquake was felt across Trinidad and parts of Grenada with no damage reported; jet ski rules at Pigeon Point/Buccoo Reef were upheld with conditions.

Police & Protest Crackdown: TTPS has enforced 15 “no-protest zones” under the State of Emergency, banning demonstrations within 500 metres of key state institutions including the DPP office, Parliament and police stations, after arrests during the Kaia Sealy protest. Political Pushback: Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles says the move is pushing Trinidad & Tobago toward a “policing state” and calls for an end to the SoE, while PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar backs TTPS, warning against intimidation of prosecutors. Kaia Sealy Update: TTPS says it is not labelling Sealy a fugitive, though a warrant remains in place; officials also say they can’t confirm her exact whereabouts. Local Sports Spotlight: Indy Eleven defender Anthony Herbert has earned a Trinidad & Tobago call-up for friendlies vs South Korea and Russia. Soca & Culture: Machel Montano’s documentary “Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King” debuts in the U.S., and Ganesh Kirtan Chowtaal Group highlights Indo-Caribbean spiritual traditions. Tech & Tourism: YTEPP and TIATT discuss using AI and digital tools to modernise tourism services.